Spongy Moth Survey Technician (Multiple Locations)
Temporary Full Time Summer Job Opportunity
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Plant Industries Division, Plant Pest Control Program
TITLE: Spongy Moth Survey Technician (2 positions available)
REGIONS: (Candidates must reside in one of the counties listed)
- Southwest Missouri (Counties: Cedar, Polk, Dallas, Greene, Webster)
- East Missouri (Counties: Randolph, Monroe, Ralls, Audrain, Pike, Lincoln)
PAY RATE: $15.00 PER HOUR/ State Vehicle Provided
DURATION and HOURS: Approx. mid-May – mid-August; 40 hours/week.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Successful applicants for these positions will participate in the annual Missouri Cooperative Spongy Moth Survey for detecting the presence of this invasive species, a serious pest of oaks. The employee will be assigned a survey area (usually 3-5 counties) and will be responsible for assembly, placement, monitoring and collection of about 450 traps in their assigned area. The employee will be responsible for navigating to and recording the location of trap locations using GPS units, grid maps and data sheets. The employee will be required to follow the required survey time frames and comply with established reporting requirements. The employee is responsible for the return of all department issued equipment and materials.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must be a high school graduate.
- Must have valid driver’s license with good driving record.
- Due to the critical nature of survey timing, applicants must be available for the entire trapping period.
- Applicants must be able to travel in isolated areas on their own and work outside in Missouri summer weather conditions.
- Applicants will need to be able to identify potential Spongy moths after instruction.
- Must be able to communicate with the public about the survey and represent the Missouri Department of Agriculture in a professional manner.
- Applicants must be able to use maps and GPS units (with training) to navigate to and maintain proper records of trap locations.
- Applicants must be able to change a flat tire and follow maintenance schedules on assigned vehicle.
Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.